Get ready for a lot of this during the offseason, because you’ll get it from me and anyone else who writes about the Yankees.

With so many roster uncertainties, any non-first baseman who enters the hot stove rumor mill will spark the same inevitable question: Should the Yankees go after him? It’s going to happen with catchers and corner outfielders; pitchers and shortstops. And until the Yankees have some clarity on their Robinson Cano situation, it’s going to happen with second basemen.

What do I think? I think it’s October 18, and it’s hard to put these things in perspective just yet.

Phillips has to be considered one of the best second basemen in the game, but he’s also 32 years old, coming off a disappointing season and signed through 2017. He’s been a popular everyday player in Cincinnati for eight years, so for the Reds to trade him, they are going to have to get something significant in return (because large chunks of the fan base are going to think he’s worth that and then some). Is it worth giving up a legitimate prospect and paying the salary? Maybe, depending on several other details — namely who and how much — but we’re going to have to see how this offseason takes shape to see how best to use resources and what exactly the Yankees need in a non-Cano world.